Active photocatalytic oxidation

ABSTRACT

An active oxidation and purifying system is provided to increase or maximize the rate of photocatalytic oxidation and ambient air purification capacity by providing both direct ultraviolet (UV) light and reflected UV light directed to the surface and apertures of active cell panels coated with a photocatalytic material. In one example, the active cells also include a plurality of apertures disposed in a transverse manner from the first surface to the second surface of the active cell. Furthermore, a first set of the apertures could be disposed about 45 degrees relative to a median axis along the first and second surfaces, while a second set of apertures could be disposed about negative 45 degrees relative to the same median axis in order to increase the surface area impinged by the direct and reflected UV light.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/705,046, filed on May 6, 2015, entitled ACTIVE PHOTOCATALYTICOXIDATION, which published on Aug. 30, 2015, as U.S. ApplicationPublication No. 2015-0231298. U.S. application Ser. No. 14/705,046 is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/602,102,filed on Sep. 1, 2012, entitled ACTIVE PHOTOCATALYTIC OXIDATION. U.S.application Ser. Nos. 14/705,046 and 13/602,102, and U.S. ApplicationPublication No. 2015-0231298 are incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to air filtering or purifyingsystems and, in particular, to systems and methods of using ultravioletlight to oxidize and purify the ambient environment using photocatalyticoxidation.

BACKGROUND

Conventional systems, such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)filtration systems, require contaminates to come in direct contact witha filter to remove such contaminants and fail to address any surfacecontaminants. Other conventional systems using ultraviolet light tooxidize ambient air typically use particle filters that, when energizedby a centrally located ultraviolet (UV) light source, aid in purifyingthe ambient air and environment by converting toxic compounds to benignconstituents. Such systems typically include rows of coated particlefilters that form a structure to selectively envelope the UV lightsource. The UV light in such systems fails to adequately expose thesurfaces of conventional particle filters to the UV light and, thus,such systems typically yield rates of photocatalytic oxidation and airfiltration that are relatively low.

What is needed, is an effective and efficient system of increasing therate of photocatalytic oxidation to ultimately increase the rate andefficiency of oxidizing and purifying the ambient environment.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide systems andmethods of using ultraviolet light and photocatalytic oxidation tooxidize and purify the ambient environment.

In one embodiment a photocatalytic oxidation system is provided thatcomprises a housing. The housing comprising a proximate end panel and adistal end panel. The housing has a longitudinal direction extendingfrom the proximate end panel to the distal end panel. The housingfurther includes an upper panel extending between top sides of both theproximate end panel and the distal end panel. There is a lower panelextending between lower sides of both the proximate end panel and thedistal end panel. The lower panel is spaced from the upper panel. Afirst active cell panel extends between a first side of the proximateend panel, a first side of the distal end panel, a first side of theupper panel, and a first side of the lower panel. The active first cellcomprises a first plurality of apertures disposed in a transverse mannerextending from an inner side to an outer side of the first active cellpanel.

Additionally, a second active cell panel extends between a second sideof the proximate end panel, a second side of the distal end panel, asecond side of the upper panel, and a second side of the lower endpanel. The second active cell comprises a second plurality of aperturesdisposed in a transverse manner extending from an inner side to an outerside of the second active cell panel.

There is an interior chamber bounded by the proximate end and distal endpanels, the upper and lower panels, and the first and second active cellpanels. An elongate UV bulb is positioned inside the interior chamberand has a center axis that is parallel with the longitudinal direction.

The embodiment further includes a first reflective feature thatprotrudes inward into the interior chamber from an inner surface of theupper panel. The first reflective feature further extends in thelongitudinal direction on the inner surface of the upper panel and isconfigured to reflect ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted radially fromthe elongate UV bulb toward the first plurality of apertures and theinner side of the first active cell, as well as toward the secondplurality of apertures and the inner side of the second active cell.

Embodiments may include a first reflective feature that comprises aconvex protrusion into the interior chamber from the inner surface ofthe upper panel.

The first reflective feature may be a V-shape in cross section. And, mayadditionally be configured to provide stiffening and structural supportto the housing.

In various embodiments the inner side and/or the surfaces of the firstplurality of apertures of the first active cell panel are coated with aphotocatalytic material.

In various embodiments the first reflective feature is provided over aportion of an entire longitudinal length of the upper panel.

Additionally, in some embodiments a center longitudinal axis of thefirst reflective feature is aligned with the center axis of the elongateUV bulb.

In various embodiments, the reflective feature comprises a metal UVreflective surface.

Additionally, some embodiments further comprise a second reflectivefeature that protrudes inward into the interior chamber from an innersurface of the lower panel. The second reflective feature is provided inthe longitudinal direction on the inner surface of the lower panel andis configured to reflect UV radiation, which is emitted radially fromthe elongate UV bulb toward the lower panel, toward the first pluralityof apertures and the inner side of the first active cell, as well astoward the second plurality of apertures and the inner side of thesecond active cell.

Another embodiment of a photocatalytic oxidation system comprises aninner cavity; an elongate UV bulb having a central axis in alongitudinal direction and positioned in the inner cavity; and first andsecond active cell panels positioned on opposing sides of the innercavity and each being parallel with the central axis of the elongate UVbulb. The first and second active cell panels each comprise an innersurface that faces the inner cavity. Each of the inner surfaces of thefirst and second active cell panels are coated with a photocatalyticmaterial configured to exhibit a photocatalytic oxidative process whensubjected to UV radiation emitted from the elongate UV bulb. There isalso an upper side panel that extends between upper edges of the firstand second active cell panels. The upper side panel comprises an upperreflective feature that includes an upper convex protrusion thatprotrudes from an inner surface of the upper side panel inward into theinner cavity. The upper reflective feature extends longitudinally on theinner surface of the upper side panel and has a cross section that is amirror image about a central longitudinal and vertical plane through theupper convex protrusion. The surface of the reflective feature isconfigured to reflect UV radiation emitted from the elongate UV bulb inthe direction of the upper side panel toward both the inner surfaces ofthe first and second active cell panels. Additionally, a bottom sidepanel extends between lower edges of the first and second active cellpanels.

In various embodiments the first and second active cell panels eachfurther comprise a plurality of apertures disposed in a transversemanner from the inner surface to the outer surface of the first andsecond active cell panels, and the aperture surfaces are each coatedwith the photocatalytic material and configured to allow airflow therethrough.

In other embodiments the bottom side panel may further comprise a lowerreflective feature that includes an upper convex protrusion thatprotrudes from an inner surface of the lower side panel inward into theinner cavity, the lower reflective feature extends in a longitudinaldirection on the inner surface of the lower side panel and has a crosssection that is a mirror image about a central longitudinal verticalplane through the lower convex protrusion. The surface of the reflectivefeature is configured to reflect UV radiation emitted from the elongateUV bulb in the direction of the lower side panel toward both the innersurfaces of the first and second active cell panels.

In some embodiments, the cross section of the upper convex protrusion isa V-shape.

In various embodiments, the plurality of apertures transverse from theinner surface to the outer surface of the first and second active cellpanels in a diagonal manner.

In some embodiments, the upper reflective feature extends the entirelongitudinal length of the upper side panel.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in theart from the following figures and descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features,reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of an active photocatalyticoxidation system having an active cell in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1Baccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3D are partial cross sectional views of the system embodimentshown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram generally illustrating a method of using thesystem embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 5 is an partial exploded view of another embodiment of the activephotocatalytic oxidation system

FIG. 6 is a side view of another active photocatalytic oxidation systemin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 6 along cross section line A-A;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the active photocatalytic oxidation systemof FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of another embodiment of an activephotocatalytic oxidation system; and

FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the assembled embodiment of FIG. 9taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to air purifications systemsmethods and methods, in particular, to systems and of using ultravioletlight and photocatalytic oxidation to oxidize and purify the ambientenvironment. Embodiments of air purification systems in accordance withthe invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey pertinent aspects of the invention to those skilled in the art.

An embodiment of a photocatalytic oxidation system could include anactive cell having multiple rows of selectively arranged speciallytreated and coated cell apertures that, when energized by light emittedfrom a centrally located ultraviolet (UV) light source, aid in oxidizingand purifying the ambient air, surrounding active cell surfaces orambient environment by converting toxic compounds to benign constituentsand controlling or neutralizing contaminants in the ambient environment.The multiple rows of cell apertures could form a honeycomb-like, arrayor other suitable structures selectively positioned to envelope or atleast partially surround the UV light source. By selectively positioningthe cell apertures to maximize UV exposure, the active cell increasesthe relative rates of photocatalytic oxidation and purification whencompared to conventional oxidation systems, purification systems, orparticle filters. Additionally, by including additional strategicallyplaced angled reflective surfaces within a structure surrounding the UVlight source, additional UV light emitted from the UV light source canbe reflected from the interior reflective surfaces towards the activecells surfaces to further increase the efficiency of the photocatalyticoxidation and purification of, for example, air, being moved through thephotocatalytic oxidation system.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of an embodiment of aphotocatalytic oxidation system 100. Here, the photocatalytic oxidationsystem 100 could include housing 102, active cells 104, medians 106,cell apertures 108, and lighting assembly 110 as generally shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B and described in further detail herein. It should beunderstood that system 100 and active cell 104 could also include, forexample, any suitable purification particle filtering system, system,oxidation active cell system, photocatalytic system, neutralizingsystems, air filtration system, or combination thereof. It should alsobe understood that system 100 and active cell 104 shown in FIGS. 1A and1B are for illustrative purposes only and that other suitable systems orsubsystems could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of system 100 oractive cell 104 and their various embodiments.

Housing 102 could include any suitably sized, shaped or configuredframe, frame-like structure, housing, or housing-like structure to aidin maintaining a particular configuration of two or more active cells104 relative to each other. The housing 102 could be coupled to orinclude a proximate end 102 a, a distal end 102 b, and side ends havinglips 102 c, 102 d, 102 e and 102 f (note that lips 102 e and 102 f arehidden in the views shown). In various embodiments, the housing 102could be about 5 to 20 inches in length from the proximate end 102 a tothe distal end 102 b.

The proximate end 102 a, distal end 102 b, and side edges, which haveelongated retaining lips 102 c, 102 d, 102 e and 102 f are collectivelyreferred to herein as housing 102. It should be understood that housing102 could be constructed of any suitable material such as a metallicmaterial, plastic material, a polymer, or any suitable combinationthereof and include any number of suitable labels, constructs,attachments, binding materials, and accessory like elements. It shouldalso be understood that housing 102 or parts of housing 102 may beconstructed or assembled in any suitable manner including, for example,by tabs, screws, rivets, bolts, connectors, tight fits, tapes,adhesives, magnets, sleeves, other securing or retaining mechanisms, orany combination thereof.

In various embodiments, lips 102 c, 102 d, 102 e and 102 f aid inretaining the active cells 104 a, 104 b, 104 c, and 104 d (collectively,referred to herein as active cells 104) in a particular fashion relativeto each other and within the system 100. Active cells 104 could includeany shaped or configured frame, structure, frame-like structure,housing, housing-like structure, or any combination thereof. Activecells 104 could include a first side exposed to an ambient environmentoutside of the photocatalytic oxidation system and a second side exposedto the interior chamber of the photocatalytic oxidation system 100.

Active cells 104 a and 104 b shown in FIG. 1A could be included as aunitary structure or as two or more separate structures. Similarly,active cells 104 c and 104 d shown in FIG. 1B could be included as aunitary structure or as two or more separate structures. In oneembodiment, active cells 104 could be about 5 to about 20 inches inlength. In one embodiment, active cells 104 a and 104 b could bedisposed adjacent to one another along the median 106 a as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. Likewise, active cells 104 c and 104 d (which arehidden in FIG. 1A) could be disposed adjacent to one another along amedian 106 b (also hidden in FIG. 1A. Medians 106 a and 106 b can becollectively referred to herein as medians 106.

In various embodiments, each of the active cells 104 could include anysuitable number, size, shape, or configuration of pass-throughstructures or apertures such as, for example, cell apertures 108 a, 108b, 108 c, and 108 d as generally shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Cellapertures 108 a, 108 b, 108 c and 108 d (and any other cell aperturesincluded in the active cells 104) are collectively referred to herein ascell apertures 108. Cell apertures 108 could include any suitably sized,shaped or configured structure to allow ambient airflow from the outsideof system 100 to pass through to an internal area of system 100 and viceversa according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, cell apertures 108 could be arranged in multiplerows, in a somewhat honeycomb-like structure or array of apertures ortube-like structures. Each of the cell apertures 108 could be disposedin a transverse or diagonal fashion relative to the housing 102 ormedians 106, rather than disposed in a relatively parallel orperpendicular fashion relative to housing 102 or medians 106. As anexample, each of cell apertures 108 could be transversely disposed about45 degrees (plus or minus 20 degrees) relative to medians 106 accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the cell apertures 108 a in the active cell 104a could be disposed about +45 degrees (plus or minus 20 degrees)relative to an x-axis of median 106 a, while the cell apertures 108 b inthe active cell 104 b could be disposed about −45 degrees (plus or minus20 degrees) relative to the same x-axis of median 104 a. The, cellapertures 108 c in active cell 104 c could be disposed at about +45degrees (plus or minus 20 degrees) relative to an x-axis of median 106b, while the cell apertures 108 d in active cell 104 d could be disposedabout −45 degrees (plus or minus 20 degrees) relative to the same x-axisof median 106 b.

In other embodiments, the cell apertures 108 could be positioned betweenabout plus or minus 20 degrees and 75 degrees relative to medians 106.In still other embodiments, the optimal disposition of cell apertures108 could be about plus or minus 45 degrees relative to medians 106. Onereason for transversely or diagonally disposing the cell apertures 108is to maximize the amount of UV light emitted from a centrally locatedUV light source that will impinge on the surfaces of the active cells104 and the apertures 108 integrated in the active cells.

FIG. 1A also depicts a lighting assembly 110 that is connected to aconnector 206 at one end and adapted to receive power to energize the UVlighting assembly positioned inside the housing as shown in FIG. 2.

The active cells 104, cell apertures 108, or any combination thereofcould be uniformly or selectively coated or treated with one or morephotocatalytic materials, such as titanium dioxide and similarcompounds. The active cells 104 that are treated with suchphotocatalytic materials and energized by receiving UV light emittedfrom a centrally located UV light source, operate by supporting aphotocatalytic oxidation process that aides in the purification of theambient air about the active cells by converting toxic compounds, viaoxidation, to benign constituents. In one embodiment, active cells 104,cell apertures 108, or any suitable combination thereof may be coatedwith a suitable hydrophilic photocatalytic coating having non-nanotitanium dioxide with several transition elements added to the coatingto enhance or help optimize the overall photocatalytic effect.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of assembly 200 of an embodiment of system100. It should be understood that assembly 200 shown in FIG. 2 is forillustrative purposes only and that other suitable views, systems orsubsystems could be used in conjunction with 100. Additionally, only asingle active cell 104 wall (104 a, 104 b) is shown and a second activecell 104 wall (104 c, 104 d) is left out of the figure to make theinterior of the assembly 200 easier to view.

In various embodiments, assembly 200 shown in FIG. 2 generallyillustrates an embodiment of an unassembled portion of system 100 shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B. Here additional subassemblies and parts of theembodiment are shown to include a UV light source 202, and a spacer 204.As illustrated by FIGS. 1A and 2, when system 100 is fully assembled UVlight source 202 is disposed between active cells 104 a, 104 b, 104 c,and 104 d according to one embodiment of the present disclosure suchthat the when the UV light source 202 emits UV light, the UV lightimpinges on the active cell surfaces facing the interior of the housing.Additionally, the UV light impinges on the interior surfaces of thelower and upper housing panel surfaces 111, 112. In various embodimentsthe lower and upper housing panel surfaces 111, 112 are reflectivesurfaces that reflect UV light emitted from the UV light source 202 backtoward the UV light and toward the inner surfaces of the active cell 104a and the plurality of interior surfaces of the cell apertures 108 a,108 b. In order to be reflective surfaces, the inner surfaces of thehousing panels 111, 112 can have their surfaces buffed, have areflective coating placed thereon, or be made of a material, such asaluminum, stainless steel, certain types of plastic/polymers or othermaterials that reflect UV light. The reflective surfaces of the innersurfaces of the lower and upper housing panels are provided to reflectUV light emitted from the UV light source 202 onto and into the aperturesurfaces of the apertures 108 thereby enhancing the efficiency of thephotocatalytic oxidation reaction and air cleaning capability of thesystem 100.

In various embodiments, the UV light source 202 could include anysuitably sized, shaped, or configured UV light source, UV lamp, UV bulb,UV light emitting diode array, other suitable sources of UV or UVsubtype C (UVC) radiation, or any combination thereof providing asuitable amount of UV intensity to activate the coating on the activecells 104. The UV light source 202 is configured to provide UV light ofsufficient intensity to induce photocatalytic oxidation of coating orthe treatment applied to the surface of the active cells 104. In variousembodiments the UV light source 202 includes, for example, a UV lightsource having a wavelength of 185 nanometers (nm) or 254 or a broadspectrum lamp capable of providing UV light providing both wavelengthsof 185 nm and 254 nm to induce photocatalytic oxidation of active cells104.

When system 200 is assembled, the spacer 204, which is part of thelighting assembly 110, aids in maintaining the relative central-axialposition of UV light source 202 within housing 102. Although aparticular configuration of spacer 204 is shown in FIG. 2, it should beunderstood that spacer 204 could include any suitable size, shape, orconfiguration to maintain the relative position of the UV light sourceinside the housing with respect to the active cells 104. In variousembodiments, spacer 204 could also be used to maintain the relativeposition of the lighting assembly 110 relative to housing 102 andconnector 206 as generally shown in FIG. 2.

The connector 206 can be part of the lighting assembly 110 and iselectrically coupled with UV light source 202. Connector 206 can includeany suitable connection to a power source (not shown) for powering thelighting assembly 110. Connector 206 could include any suitably sized,shaped, or configured connector including, for example, any suitablemultiple pin connector with two or more electrical contacts.

As illustrated by FIG. 2, when assembly 200 is fully assembled, the UVlight source 202 is disposed centrally within the housing chamber andbetween the active cells 104 a, 104 b, 104 c, and 104 d. Although activecells 104 are disposed opposite from one another relative to UV lightsource 202, it should be understood that the relative positions andconfigurations of active cells 104 could be varied in other suitablemanners. The UV light source is configured to emit light radiallyoutward from the surface of the UV light source such that the emitted UVlight impinges on the exposed surfaces of the active cells 104 that arefacing the UV light source.

For example, the active cells 104 could be disposed in three sides or asthree walls of the housing 102 and about the chamber within. In anotherexample, the active cells 104 could be disposed in a triangular mannerencasing or substantially surrounding UV light source 202. In anotherexample, the active cells 104 could be disposed in a box-like mannerencasing or substantially surrounding the entire perimeter of thechamber within the housing and about the UV light source 202 accordingto another embodiment. As still another example, active cells 104 couldbe disposed in a circular manner encasing or substantially surroundingUV light source 202 in another embodiment.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D are somewhat simplified partial cross sectionalviews 300 a, 300 b, 300 c and 300 d (collectively referred to herein asviews 300) of exemplary active cells 104 in accordance with embodimentsof the present disclosure. It should be understood that views 300 shownin FIGS. 3A-3D are for illustrative purposes only and that any othersuitable view, system or subsystem could be used in conjunction with orin lieu of active cells 104 shown in views 300 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, active cells 104 a and active cells104 b are structurally independent from each other. Cell apertures 108 ain active cell 104 a could be disposed in a transverse direction aboutminus 0 degrees relative to an x-axis of median 106 a, while cellapertures 108 b in active cell 104 b could be disposed about positive 0degrees relative to the same x-axis of median 106 a as shown in FIG. 3A.In an exemplary embodiment, active cell 104 a and active cell 104 b arestructurally independent from each other. The cell apertures 108 a inactive cell 104 a could be disposed in a transverse direction aboutminus 45 degrees (plus or minus 20 degrees) relative to an x-axis ofmedian 106 a, while cell apertures 108 b in active cell 104 b could bedisposed about positive 45 degrees (plus or minus 20 degrees) relativeto the same x-axis of median 106 a as shown in FIG. 3A.

In the active cell embodiment 300 b shown in FIG. 3B, active cell 104 aand active cell 104 b are independent structures of cell aperturearrays. The cell apertures 108 a and 108 b are disposed in the sametransverse direction from a first side of the active cell to a secondside of the active cell and are each disposed about 45 degrees (plus orminus 20 degrees) relative to a reference axis found in active cells104.

In the active cell embodiment 300 c shown in FIG. 3C, active cells 104 aand active cells 104 b are included as a unitary structure. Columns ofcell apertures 108 a in active cell 104 a are transversely disposed froma first side to a second side of the active cell structure at aboutminus 45 degrees (plus or minus 20 degrees) relative to a horizontalx-axis along a top edge of the active cell 104, while alternate columnsof cell apertures 108 b are transversely disposed from a first side to asecond side of the active cell structure at about positive 45 degrees(plus or minus 20 degrees) relative to the horizontal x-axis long a topeedge of the active cell 104.

In the active cell 300 d embodiment shown in FIG. 3D, active cell 104 isa unitary structure comprising a matrix of a plurality of cell apertures108. Cell apertures 108 are disposed in a transverse direction from afirst side of the active cell to a second side of the active cell andare disposed at about 45 degrees (plus or minus 20 degrees) relative areference plane parallel with a front surface of the active cell 104.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the majority, if not all,of active cells 104 in system 100 are capable of performing aphotocatalytic response to being radiated or illuminated by UV lightemitted from the UV light source 202. By optimizing or maximizing thesurface area of UV light exposure of the surface of the active cell 104,including the inner surfaces of the cell apertures 108, the system 200maximizes the relative rates and amount of photocatalytic oxidationperformed by the photocatalytic materials on the surfaces of the activecells 104, and thus rates of oxidation and purification of the air inthe ambient environment are greater than those of conventional prior artoxidation systems, purification systems, or particle air purifiers andfilters. In one embodiment, photocatalytic oxidation in system 200 couldproduce one or more of the following oxidizers: Hydroxyl Radicals (OH),Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂), Super Oxides (O₂—) or Low LevelOzone (O₃).

In one embodiment, active cell 104 could include any suitably sized anddimensioned cell apertures 108 such as, for example, cell apertures 108that are about 55 square millimeters (mm²) in volume. In otherembodiments, active cell 104 could include cell apertures 108 where theaverage or median distance from an edge of one or more of cell apertures108 to the center of UV light source 202 having, for example, a diameterof about 20 mm, could be about 15 mm.

FIG. 4 is a simplified flow diagram generally illustrating a method 400of customizing and using active cell 104 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 and 3in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Although aparticular set of steps are illustrated as method 400, it should beunderstood that any number of steps may be included or removed inconjunction with the steps should as method 400 or in lieu of one ormore steps of method 400 according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

In one embodiment, method 400 begins with step 402 that includeschoosing a UV light source such as, for example, UV light source 202shown in FIG. 2, of suitable size, shape and configuration for aparticular photocatalytic oxidation and ambient environment oxidationand purification application.

In step 404, method 400 includes designing the configuration of anactive cell and housing needed to house the UV light source chosen instep 402. As examples, the active cells could be designed to encase orsubstantially surround the chosen UV light source on opposing sides suchas, for example, the relative positions of UV light source 202 andactive cells 104 shown in FIG. 2. In another design, the system couldinclude designing a system where the active cells are configured in atriangular fashion or circular fashion about the UV light source.

Depending on the active cell configuration chosen, step 406 may includechoosing the relative angle of the cell apertures in the active cells.For example, in step 406, cell apertures 108 shown in FIG. 3, could beconfigured to be about 45 degrees (plus or minus 20 degrees) from areference point such as, for example, median 106 to maximize UV exposureto the respective surfaces of active cell 104 and cell apertures 108.

Once design specifications in step 406 are complete, method 400continues with step 408. Step 408 includes building and operating theactive cell to facilitate photocatalytic oxidation and air filtration.For example, by maximizing UV exposure on the surfaces of the activecells 104, the relative rates of photocatalytic oxidation with theambient air and thus air filtration are maximized and superior thephotocatalytic oxidation rates of previous conventional oxidationsystem, purification systems, or particle air purifiers and filters.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure optimize or increasean active photocatalytic oxidation system increasing or maximizing thepotential for ultraviolet (UV) light to impinge on the surface andapertures of the active cells, to thereby increase the rates ofphotocatalytic oxidation and the oxidation and purification of theambient environment about and flowing through the inner chamber of thehousing and individual apertures.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used in the present disclosure. The terms “ambient” and“environment” and its respective derivatives refer to any surroundingareas, air, gasses, solids, liquids, organisms, or surfaces. The term“couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirectcommunication between two or more elements, whether or not thoseelements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include”and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion withoutlimitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases“associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivativesthereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with,contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, becommunicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximateto, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2is depicted. A housing 500 is shown. This housing 500 can be used inplace of the housing 102 shown in FIG. 2. Housing 500 has a distal endpanel 502 and a proximate end panel (not specifically shown). Two activecell panels 506 are positioned as side walls on opposing walls of thehousing 500. One of the active cell panels 506 is not depicted in FIG. 5so that the interior chamber of the housing can be viewed. The activecells 506 are held in place by retaining tabs or lips 510 extending fromside edges of an upper panel 512 and lower panel 514.

When the UV light source 202 is positioned inside the interior chamberof the housing, the UV light source may be an elongated UV light sourceand define a longitudinal axis extending from the proximate end panel tothe distal end panel 502 of the housing 500.

The upper and lower side panels 512, 514 each may extend from theproximate end panel to the distal end panel 502. The combination of theproximate end panel, distal end panel 502, the two active cell panels506 positioned as side walls on opposing sides of the housing 500, andthe upper and lower side panels each provide interior surfaces thatdefine the interior chamber 508 of the housing 500.

On at least one of the upper and/or lower side panels 512, 514, there isa reflecting feature 516 that is configured to increase the amount of UVlight directed from the UV light source 202 to the inner and cellaperture surfaces of the active cell panels 506. In some embodiments,the reflecting feature 516 comprises an inwardly convex longitudinalprotrusion that extends from an inner surface portion 513 of the, forexample, lower side panel 514 inward into the interior chamber 508. Theconvex longitudinal protrusion is elongated in the longitudinaldirection of the upper side panel 512. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5the reflecting feature 516 extends the entire longitudinal length of theupper side panel 512. The inner surface 518 of the upper side panel 512is reflective to UV light. In some embodiments, at least the innersurface of the reflective feature 516 is very reflective to UV light orthe UV spectrum. The reflectivity of the inner surface of the upper sidepanel 512 may be due to the surface being buffed smooth or coated tohave a reflective surface. In other embodiments, the reflectivity is dueto the surface being a bare or reflective metal surface.

It should be understood that the lower side panel 514 may also include areflective feature 516 that is similarly configured as the reflectivefeature 516 that is part of the upper side panel 512.

The convex longitudinal protrusion may appear like an elongated concavetrough on the outside surface of the upper side panel 512. Onefunctional purpose of the reflective feature 516 is to reflect andredirect UV light emitted from the UV light source 202 onto the upper orlower side panels 512, 514 toward the inner surface of the active cellpanels 506 and the interior surfaces of the cell apertures in order toincrease the photocatalytic oxidation reaction on the surfaces of theactive cell panels 506 and thereby increase the efficiency and efficacyof the air, gas or liquid purification process performed by embodiments.The reflection or redirection of UV light on the surface of thereflecting feature 516 is shown by the arrows 520 indicating UV lightemitted from a UV light source (not specifically shown in this figure)and being reflected and redirected toward the inner coated surfaces ofthe active cell panels 506. Another functional purpose of the reflectivefeature 516 is for the longitudinal protrusion on the upper and/or lowerside panels 512, 514 to provide additional stiffening and structuralsupport for the overall housing structure 500.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 another embodiment of an activephotocatalytic oxidation system 600 is disclosed. FIG. 6 is a side viewof the active photocatalytic oxidation system 600. The housing 602, inthis embodiment, has a distal end 604 that attaches to an upper housingportion 606 and a lower housing portion 608. The upper and lower housingportions 606, 608 extend perpendicularly from the distal end 604. Theupper and lower housing portions 606, 680 are basically parallel to eachother and to some degree a mirrored image of each other. The housing 602can also be easily viewed in FIGS. 8 and 7. Along each side hedge 612 ofthe upper housing portion 606 are one or more retaining tabs or clips610 that extend downwardly from the upper housing portion 606 andconfigured to support, position and hold a first and second active cellpanel 614, 615 in place on a first side and second side of the housing602. Similarly, along each side and 613 of the lower housing portions608 there are one or more retaining tabs or clips 611 extend upwardlyfrom the lower housing portions 608 and are configured to support,position hold the first and second active cell panel 614, 615 in placeon the first side and second side of the housing 602.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 at the cross section line A-Alooking from the distal end 604 toward the proximate end 605 of thehousing structure 602. Additionally, FIG. 8 is an exploded view of theactive photocatalytic oxidation system 600. An elongate UV bulb 616 ispositioned within a cavity 618 within the housing structure 602. Thecavity 616 is defined by the inner surfaces of the upper and lowerhousing portions 606, 608, the first and second active cell panels 614,615, and the proximate and distal ends 605, 604 of the housing structure602. The elongate UV bulb 616 defines a longitudinal direction or axis620 extending from the proximate end 605 to the distal end 604. Ateither end of the UV bulb 616 are support structures 622 that supportthe UV bulb 616. One or both of the support structures 622 have a socketor connector 624 for electrically connecting and providing power to theUV bulb 616. Although not specifically shown, there may also be anelectronic circuit within one or both of the support structures 622. Theelectronic circuit may include a ballast circuit for a florescent UVbulb, circuitry to drive high-voltage to the UV bulb, or electronicsthat supports an array of ultra bright UV diodes in a ultraviolet UVbulb configuration. Electrical wires and a connector 623 may be providedto connect the UV bulb 616 to a power source. The

Additionally, the upper housing portion 606 comprises a reflectivefeature 626, that when viewed from the cavity 618, extends in thelongitudinal direction as an inwardly convex longitudinal trough. Theinner surface of the inwardly convex longitudinal trough (ICLT) orreflective feature 626, is reflective or highly reflective in the UVspectrum. In some embodiments the reflective feature 626 comprises theICLT. The reflective feature 626 may also include a UV reflectivecoating, buffed surface, or other additional treatment to the innersurface of the reflective feature 626. As can be easily seen in FIGS. 7and 8, the upper housing portions 606, when viewed from the outside ofthe housing structure 602, has an elongated trough or indentation thatextends in the longitudinal direction 620. The ICLT 626 in providesadditional structural integrity and rigidity to the housing structure602. In the embodiment shown the most inward portion of the reflectivefeature 626 is disposed in a plane or is centered with a longitudinalaxis of the elongate UV bulb 616. In various embodiments the ICLTreflective feature 626 appears like a trough on the outside of the upperhousing portion 606 and appears like an elongated protrusion into thecavity 618 on the inside of the upper housing portion 606. In thisembodiment the reflective feature does not extend the full longitudinaldistance between the proximate end 605 and distal end 604. Instead, agap or airway 628 is established at either end of the reflective feature626, which allows for additional airflow between the outside environmentof the housing structure 602 end the inner cavity 618.

When the UV bulb 616 is on and emitting ultraviolet light, the insidesurfaces of the reflective feature 626 reflects ultraviolet energyemitted from the UV bulb 616 that is directed toward the inner surfacesof the upper housing portion 606 directly toward the surfaces (i.e.,inner surfaces) of the active cell panels 614, 615 and the respectiveinner surfaces of the cell apertures 630 that make up the active cellpanels 614, 615 (for example as shown by the arrow 632 in FIG. 7. It isbeen found that providing the reflective feature 626 in the upperhousing portion 606, the efficiency and effectiveness of an activephotocatalytic oxidation system 600 is increased over a system that doesnot include the reflective feature 626.

In various embodiments, the reflective feature 626 is also incorporatedor included in the lower housing portion 608 in a manner similar to thedescription above with respect to the upper housing portion 606 and asshown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

In other embodiments the reflective feature 626, when viewed incross-section such as the cross-sectional view A-A perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis, may have any convex shape, including but not limitedto, a V-shape as show, a half circle, half oval, half octagon or othermulti-sited or faceted shape that provides a mirrored image of itselfabout a central longitudinal vertical plane 917 through the trough(shown as dotted lines).

Referring now to FIG. 9 an exploded view of yet another embodiment of anactive photocatalytic oxidation system 900 is provided. Additionally,FIG. 10 is a cutaway view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction ofthe assembled system 900. In this embodiment, the system 900 has ahousing 901 having a proximate end panel 102, a distal end panel 904. Anupper panel 906 and lower panel 208 extend parallel to each other. Theupper panel 906 removably attaches to an upper edge 910 or upper tabs112 of the proximate end panel 902. The upper panel 906 extends in alongitudinal direction from the upper edge 910 of the proximate endpanel 902 to the upper edge 910 of the distal end panel 904 where it isalso removably attached to upper tabs 913.

The upper panel 906 comprises a reflective feature 914 extending thelongitudinal length of the upper panel 906. The reflective feature 914,on the inner surface of the upper panel 906, includes an inwardly convexlongitudinal trough (ICLT) 916 that extends into the interior of thehousing 901. The inner surface of the ICLT reflective feature 914 isreflective or highly reflective to the UV spectrum. In this embodiment,the ICLT reflective feature, from the outside of the housing 901, lookslike a concave trough extending longitudinally from a proximate to adistal end of the upper panel 906. The ICLT reflective feature 914 lookslike a convex longitudinal trough with a reflective surface that extendsinwardly into the cavity 923 of the system housing 901.

The lower panel 908 also comprises a reflective feature 918 that extendsthe longitudinal length of the lower panel 908. On the inner surface ofthe lower panel 908, the reflective feature 918 includes an inwardlyconvex longitudinal trough (ICLT) 920 that extends into the interior ofthe housing 901. Like the inner surface of the ICLT reflective feature914, the ICLT reflective feature 918 is reflective or highly reflectiveto the ultraviolet spectrum. From the outside of the housing, the ICLTreflective feature 918 looks like a concave trough extendinglongitudinally from a proximate to a distal end of the lower panel 906.Furthermore the ICLT reflective feature 918 looks like a convexlongitudinal trough with a reflective surface that extends inwardly intothe cavity 923 of the system housing from the perspective of inside thesystem housing 901. In cross-section, the reflective features 914, 918may be a V-shape, half circle, half oval, half hexagon or half any otherfaceted or multi sided shape that is mirrored about a feature's centrallongitudinal vertical plane 917 (shown as a dotted line).

The elongate UV bulb 922 is positioned to extend longitudinally betweenthe proximate end panel 902 and the distal end panel 904. In someembodiments, the proximate end panel 902 and/or distal end panel 904 mayeach include a centrally located mechanism for holding the UV bulb 922such that it maintains a central position within the inner cavity 923 ofthe housing 901. In various embodiments the upper and lower reflectivefeatures 914, 918 have a longitudinal center line that is parallel witha longitudinal axis of the UV bulb 922.

On opposing sides of the housing 901 are opposing active cell panels 924that each extend from opposing sides of the proximate end panel 9022opposing sides of the distal end panel 904. The tabs 912 of theproximate end panel 902 and the tabs 914 of the distal end panel 904 areused to attach the upper panel 906, the two active cell panels 924, thelower panel 908 and the proximate end panel 902 and distal end panel 904together so as to establish the inner cavity 923 of the housing 901.

The high sea LTE reflective features 914, 918 provide structuralstabilizing support for the housing 901 as well as the reflectivesurface on the inside sides of the upper and lower panels 906, 908 thatincreases the amount of ultraviolet light directed toward the insidesurfaces of the active cell panels 924 as well as the inside surfaces ofthe cell apertures comprised within the active cell panels 24. UV lightemitted toward the upper or lower panels is reflected by the reflectivefeatures 914, 918 directly toward the various active surfaces associatedwith the active cell panels on either side of the housing 901.

The UV bulb 616 the have a connector at one or both ends of the housingfor connecting to electrical power.

During operation, the UV bulb 616 emits UV light radiation radially fromthe longitudinal axis of the UV bulb. Much of the UV radiation impingesdirectly upon various inner surfaces of the active side panels. Much ofthe UV radiation also impinges on the inner surfaces of the upper andlower panels 906, 908. The reflective features 914 and 918 on the upperand lower panels increase the amount of UV light intensity that isdirected onto the inner surfaces of the active side panels so as toincrease the amount or efficiency of the photocatalytic oxidationreaction that occurs on the surfaces of the active panels. Gases or airmay flow or be forced to flow through the apertures that make up theactive panels such that bacteria, pathogens and other airborne items maybe oxidized in the purification process as a result of the reactionoccurring between the ultraviolet light and the photocatalyticmaterials, such as titanium dioxide and other compounds that could holdthe surfaces of the active cell panels 924. By slanting or placing theindividual cell apertures at an angle with respect to the horizontal,the surface area inside of the apertures that is impinged by UV light isbe increased, especially with the angled reflection of the UV light offof the reflective features 914, 918.

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generallyassociated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodimentsand methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly,the above description of example embodiments does not define orconstrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterationsare also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure and the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A photocatalytic oxidation system comprising: ahousing having an inner cavity; an elongate UV bulb positioned withinthe inner cavity and having a central axis extending in a longitudinaldirection; first and second active cell panels positioned on opposingsides of the inner cavity and extending in the longitudinal direction,wherein the first and second active cell panels each comprise an innersurface that faces the elongate UV bulb and an outer surface oppositethe inner surface, and a top edge, wherein the first and second activecell panels each further comprise a plurality of apertures extendingdiagonally between the inner surface and the outer surface at anon-perpendicular angle relative to the top edge of the active cellpanel, and wherein interior surfaces of the plurality of apertures andeach of the inner surfaces of the first and second active cell panelsare coated with a photocatalytic material configured to exhibit aphotocatalytic oxidative process when subjected to UV radiation emittedfrom the elongate UV bulb; wherein at least one of the first and secondactive cell panels includes a median extending longitudinally anddividing the active cell panel into an upper section and a lowersection, and wherein at least a portion of the apertures of the uppersection extend through the first active cell panel at a firstnon-perpendicular angle and wherein at least a portion of the aperturesof the lower section extend through the second cell panel at a secondnon-perpendicular angle different than the first non-perpendicularangle; an upper side panel that extends between upper edges of the firstand second active cell panels, the upper side panel comprising an upperreflective feature that includes an upper convex protrusion thatprotrudes inward into the inner cavity, the upper reflective featurebeing configured to reflect UV radiation emitted from the elongate UVbulb in the direction of the upper side panel toward both the innersurfaces of the first and second active cell panels and toward theinterior surfaces of the apertures; and a bottom side panel that extendsbetween lower edges of the first and second active cell panels.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the bottom side panel further comprise alower reflective feature that includes a lower convex protrusion thatprotrudes inward into the inner cavity, the lower reflective featurebeing configured to reflect UV radiation emitted from the elongate UVbulb in the direction of the lower side panel toward both the innersurfaces of the first and second active cell panels.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein a cross section of the upper convex protrusion is aV-shape.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-perpendicular angleis about 45 degrees.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the upperreflective feature is configured to also provide additional stiffness tothe upper side panel.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the upperreflective feature extends the entire longitudinal length of the upperside panel.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a proximate endpanel at a proximate end of the inner cavity and a distal end panel at adistal end of the inner cavity.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein anoutside surface of the upper side panel comprises a concave trough in alongitudinal direction and directly opposite the upper reflectivefeature.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper reflective featurehas a cross-section that is symmetrical about a central longitudinalvertical plane.
 10. The system of claim 2, wherein the lower reflectivefeature has a cross-section that is symmetrical about a centrallongitudinal vertical plane.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein at leasta portion of apertures of the upper section extend through the firstactive cell panel at an angle between about 25 and 65 degrees relativeto the median in a first direction and wherein at least a portion ofapertures of the lower section extend through the second cell panel atan angle between about 25 and 65 degrees relative to the median in asecond direction opposite the first direction.
 12. A photocatalyticoxidation system comprising: a housing having an inner cavity; anelongate UV bulb having a central axis in a longitudinal direction andpositioned in the inner cavity; first and second active cell panelspositioned opposite one another about the elongate UV bulb, the firstand second active cell panels each comprising an inner surface thatfaces the central axis, and a plurality of apertures extending throughthe active cell panel at an angle between about 25 and 65 degrees in afirst direction relative to a horizontal axis and a plurality ofapertures extending through the active cell panel at an angle betweenabout 25 and 65 degrees in a second direction, opposite the firstdirection, relative to the horizontal axis, wherein the inner surfacesof the first and second active cell panels and interior surfaces of theapertures are coated with a photocatalytic material configured toexhibit a photocatalytic oxidative process when subjected to UVradiation emitted from the elongate UV bulb; an upper side panelcomprising an upper reflective feature that includes an upper convexprotrusion that protrudes inward into the inner cavity, wherein thesurface of the reflective feature is configured to reflect UV radiationemitted from the elongate UV bulb in the direction of the upper sidepanel toward the inner surfaces of the first and second active cellpanels as well as interior surfaces of at least a portion of theplurality of apertures; and a bottom side panel that extends betweenlower edges of the first and second active cell panels.
 13. The systemof claim 12, wherein the bottom side panel further comprise a lowerreflective feature that includes a lower convex protrusion thatprotrudes inward into the inner cavity, wherein the surface of thereflective feature is configured to reflect UV radiation emitted fromthe elongate UV bulb in the direction of the lower side panel toward theinner surfaces of the first and second active cell panels as well asinterior surfaces of at least a portion of the plurality of apertures.14. The system of claim 12, wherein the upper reflective feature has across-section that is symmetrical about a vertical, longitudinallyextending plane.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the upperreflective feature has a V-shaped cross-section.
 16. The system of claim12, wherein the first active cell panel includes a median extendinglongitudinally and dividing the first active cell panel into an uppersection and a lower section, wherein the apertures of the upper sectionextend through the first active cell panel at an angle between about 25and 65 degrees relative to the horizontal axis in the first directionand wherein the apertures of the lower section extend through the secondcell panel at an angle between about 25 and 65 degrees relative to thehorizontal axis in the second direction opposite the first direction.